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Photoaged skin exhibits signs of inflammation, DNA damage and changes in morphology that are visible at the macroscopic and microscopic levels. Photoaging also affects the extracellular matrix (ECM) including hyaluronan (HA), the main polysaccharide component thereof. HA is a structurally simple but biologically complex molecule that serves as a water-retaining component and provides both a scaffold for a number of the proteins of the ECM and the ligand for cellular receptors. The study provides an overview of the literature concerning the changes in HA amount, size and metabolism, and the potential role of HA in photoaging. We also suggest novel HA contributions to photoaging based on our knowledge of the role of HA in other pathological processes, including the senescence and inflammation-triggered ECM reorganization. Moreover, we discuss potential direct or indirect intervention to mitigate photoaging that targets the hyaluronan metabolism, as well as supplementation.

It is generally known that hyaluronic acid (HA) is a biocompatible and biodegradable glycosaminoglycan distributed widely throughout epithelial, connective and neural tissues. HA is one of the chief components of the extracellular matrix. Lack of immunogenicity is one of the biggest advantages of the therapeutic use of HA, but it also prevents the production of specific anti-HA antibodies. Contrary to this, there are still several studies performing HA detection by immunohistochemical or immunohistofluorescent method using an anti-HA antibody. Therefore, this short study discusses whether the anti-HA antibody is specific for HA. To verify the specificity of the HA staining the hyaluronidase treatment of histological samples was performed and the ability of anti-HA antibody and biotinylated HA binding protein (bHABP)-based probe to bind to their targets was evaluated. Additionally, the competitive binding assay with short HA oligosaccharides and subsequent histological staining was performed. Both assays showed that the anti-HA antibody is not sufficiently specific for HA and that the bHABP probe is a reliable method for HA detection in histological samples. The conclusion made by previous investigators based on using HA antibodies should be reevaluated and future use of anti-HA antibody should be avoided.

Hyaluronan (HA) comprises a fundamental component of the extracellular matrix and participates in a variety of biological processes. Half of the total amount of HA in the human body is present in the skin. HA exhibits a dynamic turnover; its half-life in the skin is less than one day. Nevertheless, the specific participants in the catabolism of HA in the skin have not yet been described in detail, despite the essential role of HA in cutaneous biology. A deeper knowledge of the processes involved will act to support the development of HA-based topical and implantable materials and enhance the understanding of the various related pathological cutaneous conditions. This study aimed to characterize the distribution and activity of hyaluronidases and the other proteins involved in the degradation of HA in healthy human full-thickness skin, the epidermis and the dermis. Hyaluronidase activity was detected for the first time in healthy human skin. The degradation of HA occurred in lysates at an acidic pH. HA gel zymography revealed a single band corresponding to approximately 50 kDa. This study provided the first comprehensive view of the distribution of canonic HA-degrading proteins (HYAL1 and HYAL2) in human skin employing IHF and IHC. Furthermore, contrary to previous assumptions TMEM2, a novel hyaluronidase, as well as CEMIP, a protein involved in HA degradation, were localized in the human epidermis, as well as in the dermis.

All-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) is a potent ligand that regulates gene expression and is used to treat several skin disorders. Hyaluronic acid (HA) was previously conjugated with atRA (HA-atRA) to obtain a novel amphiphilic compound. HA-atRA forms micelles that incorporate hydrophobic molecules and facilitate their transport through the skin. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of HA-atRA on gene expression in skin cells and to compare it with that of unbound atRA. Gene expression was investigated using microarrays and a luciferase system with a canonical atRA promoter. HA-atRA upregulated gene expression similarly to atRA. However, HA-atRA activated the expression of cholesterol metabolism genes, unlike atRA. Further investigation using HPLC and filipin III staining suggested that the treated cells induced cholesterol synthesis to replenish the cholesterol removed from the cells by HA-atRA. HA modified with oleate (HA-C18:1) removed cholesterol from the cells similarly to HA-atRA, suggesting that the cholesterol removal stemmed from the amphiphilic nature of the two derivatives. HA-atRA induces retinoid signaling. Thus, HA-atRA could be used to treat skin diseases, such as acne and psoriasis, where the combined action of atRA signaling and anti-inflammatory cholesterol removal may be potentially beneficial.

The stimulation of myocardium repair is restricted due to the limited understanding of heart regeneration. Interestingly, endogenous opioid peptides such as dynorphins and enkephalins are suggested to support this process. However, the mechanism-whether through the stimulation of the regenerative capacity of cardiac stem cells or through effects on other cell types in the heart-is still not completely understood. Thus, a model of the spontaneous cardiomyogenic differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells via the formation of embryoid bodies was used to describe changes in the expression and localization of opioid receptors within cells during the differentiation process and the potential of the selected opioid peptides, dynorphin A and B, and methionin-enkephalins and leucin-enkephalins, to modulate cardiomyogenic differentiation in vitro. The expressions of both κ- and δ-opioid receptors significantly increased during mES cell differentiation. Moreover, their primary colocalization with the nucleus was followed by their growing presence on the cytoplasmic membrane with increasing mES cell differentiation status. Interestingly, dynorphin B enhanced the downregulation gene expression of Oct4 characteristic of the pluripotent phenotype. Further, dynorphin B also increased cardiomyocyte-specific Nkx2.5 gene expression. However, neither dynorphin A nor methionin-enkephalins and leucin-enkephalins exhibited any significant effects on the course of mES cell differentiation. In conclusion, despite the increased expression of opioid receptors and some enhancement of mES cell differentiation by dynorphin B, the overall data do not support the notion that opioid peptides have a significant potential to promote the spontaneous cardiomyogenesis of mES cells in vitro.

We present water-insoluble hyaluronan films crosslinked by trivalent iron developed as potential resorbable implants. The films were crosslinked by sorption of ferric salt into solid HA films in water/2-propanol bath. These heterogeneously crosslinked films (het-FeHA) remained tough and dimensionally stable when rehydrated in saline. In contrast, films prepared by drying the well-known homogeneous ferric hyaluronate gels (hom-FeHA) softened upon rehydration and expanded rapidly. Differences between hom-FeHA and het-FeHA result from polymer network topology (dominant inter- or intra-molecular crosslink, respectively). Moreover, Mossbauer spectroscopy of het-FeHA revealed diiron complexes, while iron in the hom-FeHA was present exclusively as γ-FeOOH nanoparticles or amorphous FeOOH. The biocompatibility tests of het-FeHA did not show any adverse effect and the sample disintegrated within one day when implanted in mice peritoneum. In conclusion, we developed implantable hyaluronan-based free-standing film with minimal swelling that can be resorbed quickly enough to avoid induction of foreign-body reaction.

Although silver is an efficient antimicrobial and is a widely used antiseptic in wound healing, previous studies have reported the cytotoxic in vitro effects of silver dressings. Moreover, few studies have addressed the distribution of silver in chronic wounds. The study compares the healing of chronic wounds treated with a standard-of-care silver dressing (Ag-CMC) and a dressing containing antiseptic octenidine (OCT-HA). Biopsies were taken from two wound areas before the commencement of treatment (baseline), after 2 weeks and after 6 weeks (the end of the study). We analyzed the histopathologic wound-healing score, silver distribution, and expression of selected genes. The wound-healing score improved significantly in the wounded area treated with OCT-HA after 2 weeks compared to the baseline and the Ag-CMC. The Ag-CMC wound areas improved after 6 weeks compared to the baseline. Moreover, collagen maturation and decreases in the granulocyte and macrophage counts were faster in the OCT-HA parts. Treatment with OCT-HA resulted in less wound slough. The silver, visualized via autometallography, penetrated approximately 2 mm into the wound tissue and associated around capillaries and ECM fibers, and was detected in phagocytes. The metallothionein gene expression was elevated in the Ag-CMC wound parts. This exploratory study determined the penetration of silver into human chronic wounds and changes in the distribution thereof during treatment. We observed that silver directly affects the cells in the wound and elevates the metallothionein gene expression. Octenidine and hyaluronan dressings provide a suitable alternative to silver and carboxymethyl cellulose dressings without supplying silver to the wound.

Wound dressings with silver have been shown to be cytotoxic in vitro. However, the extrapolation of this cytotoxicity to clinical settings is unclear. We applied dressings with various forms of silver on porcine skin ex vivo and investigated silver penetration and DNA damage. We assessed antimicrobial efficacy, cytotoxicity to skin cells, and immune response induced by the dressings. All dressings elevated the DNA damage marker γ-H

There is inconsistent information regarding the size effects of exogenously given hyaluronan on its in vivo fate. The data are often biased by the poor quality of hyaluronan and non-ideal labelling strategies used for resolving exogenous/endogenous hyaluronan, which only monitor the label and not hyaluronan itself. To overcome these drawbacks and establish the pharmacokinetics of intravenous hyaluronan in relation to its Mw, 13C-labelled HA of five Mws from 13.6–1562 kDa was prepared and administered to mice at doses 25−50 mg kg–1. The elimination efficiency increased with decreasing Mw. Low Mw hyaluronan was rapidly eliminated as small hyaluronan fragments in urine, while high Mw hyaluronan exhibited saturable kinetics and complete metabolization within 48 h. All tested Mws exhibited a similar uptake by liver cells and metabolization into activated sugars. 13C-labelling combined with LC–MS provides an excellent approach to elucidating in vivo fate and biological activities of hyaluronan.

Ophthalmic disorders are amid the most common pathologies worldwide. In this regard, hyaluronan (HA) has gained widespread use in eye surgeries and treatment of eye diseases. HA-based materials are well tolerated and show excellent biocompatibility. Therefore, HA is a sought-after component of ophthalmic formulations. However, several parameters have to be adjusted to reach an optimal performance and effectiveness. The complexity of HA properties represents a major challenge for biological and structural characterization. This review covers fundamental aspects and recent developments in HA ophthalmic research. Biological mechanisms underlying the health benefits of HA and their potential therapeutic applications are elaborated. Furthermore, current pharmacokinetic and safety studies are discussed. Noticeably, the benefits of chemical modification and processed HA forms are described to broaden the applications of this unique polysaccharide. The current research challenges and prospects are also outlined and discussed.

Wound dressings with silver have been shown to be cytotoxic in vitro. However, the extrapolation of this cytotoxicity to clinical settings is unclear. We applied dressings with various forms of silver on porcine skin ex vivo and investigated silver penetration and DNA damage. We assessed antimicrobial efficacy, cytotoxicity to skin cells, and immune response induced by the dressings. All dressings elevated the DNA damage marker γ-H2AX and the expression of stress-related genes in explanted skin relative to control. This corresponded with the amount of silver in the skin. The dressings reduced viability, induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in skin cells, and induced the production of pro-inflammatory IL-6 by monocytes. The oxidative burst and viability of activated neutrophils decreased. The amount of silver released into the culture medium varied among the dressings and correlated with in vitro toxicity. However, antimicrobial efficiencies did not correlate strongly with the amount of silver released from the dressings. Antimicrobial efficiency and toxicity are driven by the form of silver and the construction of dressings and not only by the silver concentration. The damaging effects of silver dressings in ex vivo skin highlight the importance of thorough in vivo investigation of silver dressing toxicity.

The achievement of rapid hemostasis represents a long-term trend in hemostatic research. Specifically, composite materials are now the focus of attention, based on the given issues and required properties. In urology, different materials are used to achieve fast and effective hemostasis. Additionally, it is desirable to exert a positive influence on local tissue reaction. In this study, three nonwoven textiles prepared by a wet spinning method and based on a combination of hyaluronic acid with either oxidized cellulose or carboxymethyl cellulose, along with the addition of etamsylate, were introduced and assessed in vivo using the rat partial nephrectomy model. A significantly shorter time to hemostasis in seconds (p &lt, 0.05), was attributed to the effect of the carboxymethyl cellulose material. The addition of etamsylate did not noticeably contribute to further hemostasis, but its application strengthened the structure and therefore significantly improved the effect on local changes, while also facilitating any manipulation by the surgeons. Specifically, the hyaluronic acid supported the tissue healing and regeneration, and ensured the favorable results of the histological analysis. Moreover, the prepared textiles proved their bioresorbability after a three-day period. In brief, the fabrics yielded favorable hemostatic activity, bioresorbability, non-irritability, and had a beneficial effect on the tissue repair.

Polysaccharides meet several criteria for a suitable biomaterial for tissue engineering, which include biocompatibility and ability to support the delivery and growth of cells. Nevertheless, most of these polysaccharides, for example dextran, alginate, and glycosaminoglycans, are highly soluble in aqueous solutions. Hyaluronic acid hydrophobized by palmitic acid and processed to the form of wet-spun fibers and the warp-knitted textile scaffold is water non-soluble, but biodegradable material, which could be used for the tissue engineering purpose. However, its surface quality does not allow cell attachment. To enhance the biocompatibility the surface of palmitoyl-hyaluronan was roughened by freeze drying and treated by different cell adhesive proteins (fibronectin, fibrinogen, laminin, methacrylated gelatin and collagen IV). Except for collagen IV, these proteins covered the fibers uniformly for an extended period of time and supported the adhesion and cultivation of dermal fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. Interestingly, adipose stem cells cultivated on the fibronectin-modified scaffold secreted increasing amount of HGF, SDF-1, and VEGF, three key growth factors involved in cardiac regeneration. These results suggested that palmitoyl-hyaluronan scaffold may be a promising material for various applications in tissue regeneration, including cardiac tissue repair. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1488-1499, 2018.

In this work, we suggest procedure for manufacturing of highly pure schizophyllan (SPG) cleaved into shorter fragments by ultrasonication. The ultrasonicated SPG (uSPG) was prepared from Schizophyllum commune submerged cultivation in bioreactor, culture broth ultrasonication with 100 Ws/mL energy input, followed by depth filtration and ultrafiltration. The uSPG contained less than 0.3%w/w protein and 0.078 IU/mg endotoxin. Chemical composition and structure of the uSPG were analyzed by GC and NMR, and conformation of the molecules was documented by AFM. Apyrogenicity of uSPG was proved by MAT test. Immunomodulatory properties of native and denatured uSPG were studied in vitro with human whole blood. The LPS-spiked samples revealed immunomodulatory activity of both native and denatured uSPG. Protein array showed that native uSPG activates certain cytokines and chemokines significantly stronger than denatured uSPG.

In our previous research, we concluded that polymeric micelles based on hyaluronic acid are able to penetrate into the deeper layers of skin tissue. The aim of this work was to characterize the mechanisms involved in the uptake by skin cells, which is important for understanding the influence of the carrier composition on the drug penetration. To reach this goal, we used micelles encapsulating curcumin made of oleyl-hyaluronan (HAC18:1) and hexyl-hyaluronan (HAC6) covalently linked with fluorescent Nile Blue. This labeling enabled us to track the micelle-forming derivative and also micelle payload into the keratinocytes and fibroblasts by fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. The regulation of both the passive and active cellular uptake was used to determine the mechanism of micelle internalization. Furthermore, the changes of membrane fluidity were measured for these derivatives by FRAP. Using these methods we concluded that carriers entered the cells using both active and passive transport. Passive transport was facilitated by the affinity of the carrier to the cell membrane, especially in the case of HAC18:1 carrier, which changed significantly the membrane fluidity. The active transport was dependent on cell type, but mainly driven by the clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis. Surprisingly, the main HA receptor, CD44, was not involved in the uptake. We can conclude that these carrier systems could be used for the local transport of active substances or hydrophobic drugs into the skin cells using the advantage of passive transport of oleyl-HA derivative.

Hyaluronan (HA) effects on immune response are suggested to be dependent on HA molecular weight (MW), as low MW HA should activate immune cells in contrast to high MW HA. However, some current studies do not support this conception and emphasize the importance of the form of preparation of HA, particularly with respect to its purity and origin. We compared the activation of mouse immune cells by HA samples (100kDa, 500kDa, and 997kDa) prepared from HA originating from rooster comb, and HA samples (71kDa, 500kDa, and 1000kDa) prepared from pharmacological grade HA originating from Streptococcus equi. Interestingly, in contrast to established theory, only middle and high MW HA originating from rooster comb induced the production of tumor necrosis factor-α by macrophages and in whole blood. Further, all tested preparations of HA failed to induce the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, the production of nitric oxide, or the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 in macrophages and splenocytes. Importantly, all HA samples originating from rooster comb were found to be contaminated by endotoxin (up to 1.23EU/ml). Hence, low MW HA did not reveal itself to have significantly higher immunostimulatory activity compared to HA of higher MW.

We report on the 59Fe radiolabelling of iron oxide nanoparticle cores through post-synthetic isotope exchange (59Fe-IONPex) and precursor labelling (59Fe-IONPpre). Scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements showed no impact of radiolabelling on nanoparticle size or morphology. While incorporation efficiencies of these methods are comparable—83 and 90% for precursor labelling and post-synthetic isotope exchange, respectively—59Fe-IONPpre exhibited much higher radiochemical stability in citrated human plasma. Quantitative ex vivo biodistribution study of 59Fe-IONPpre coated with triethylene glycol was performed in Wistar rats. Following the intravenous administration, high 59Fe concentration was observed in the lung and the organs of the reticuloendothelial system such as the liver, the spleen and the femur.

Hyaluronic acid (HA)-coated inorganic nanoparticles display enhanced interaction with the CD44 receptors which are overexpressed in many types of cancer cells. Here, we describe a modification of core-shell β-NaY0.80Yb0.18Er0.02F4@NaYF4 nanoparticles (UCNP) by HA derivative bearing photo-reactive groups. UCNP capped with oleic acid were firstly transferred to aqueous phase by an improved protocol using hydrochloric acid or lactic acid treatment. Subsequently, HA bearing furanacryloyl moieties (HA-FU) was adsorbed on the nanoparticle surface and crosslinked by UV irradiation. The crosslinking resulted in stable HA coating, and no polymer desorption was observed. As-prepared UCNP@HA-FU show a hydrodynamic diameter of about 180 nm and are colloidally stable in water and cell culture media. The cellular uptake by normal human fibroblasts and MDA MB-231 cancer cell line was investigated by upconversion luminescence imaging.

Due to its native origin, excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, hyaluronan (HA) represents an attractive polymer for superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) coating. Herein, we report HA polymeric micelles encapsulating oleic acid coated SPIONs, having a hydrodynamic size of about 100 nm and SPION loading capacity of 1-2 wt %. The HA-SPION polymeric micelles were found to be selectively cytotoxic toward a number of human cancer cell lines, mainly those of colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29). The selective inhibition of cell growth was even observed when the SPION loaded HA polymeric micelles were incubated with a mixture of control and cancer cells. The selective in vitro inhibition could not be connected with an enhanced CD44 uptake or radical oxygen species formation and was rather connected with a different way of SPION intracellular release. While aggregated iron particles were visualized in control cells, nonaggregated solubilized iron oxide particles were detected in cancer cells. In vivo SPION accumulation in intramuscular tumor following an intravenous micelle administration was confirmed by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and histological analysis. Having a suitable hydrodynamic size, high magnetic relaxivity, and being cancer specific and able to accumulate in vivo in tumors, SPION-loaded HA micelles represent a promising platform for theranostic applications.

Physical and chemical structure of paclitaxel (PTX) was studied after its incorporation into polymeric micelles made of hyaluronic acid (HA) (Mw=15 kDa) grafted with C6 or C18:1 acyl chains. PTX was physically incorporated into the micellar core by solvent evaporation technique. Maximum loading capacity for HAC6 and HAC18:1 was determined to be 2 and 14 wt.%, respectively. The loading efficiency was higher for HAC18:1 and reached 70%. Independently of the derivative, loaded HA micelles had spherical size of approximately 60-80 nm and demonstrated slow and sustained release of PTX in vitro. PTX largely changed its form from crystalline to amorphous after its incorporation into the micelle's interior. This transformation increased PTX sensitivity towards stressing conditions, mainly to UV light exposure, during which the structure of amorphous PTX isomerized and formed C3C11 bond within its structure. In vitro cytotoxicity assay revealed that polymeric micelles loaded with PTX isomer had higher cytotoxic effect to normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) and human colon carcinoma cells (HCT-116) than the same micelles loaded with non-isomerized PTX. Further observation indicated that PTX isomer influenced in different ways cell morphology and markers of cell cycle. Taken together, PTX isomer loaded in nanocarrier systems may have improved anticancer activity in vivo than pure PTX.

Conjugates of hyaluronic acid (HA) with biologically active molecules showed great potential in many applications. Oligomers of hyaluronic acid (oliHA) as possible regulators of biological processes and potential anti-cancer therapeutics, were reversibly attached via covalent bond on HA modified with an aldehyde group (HA-CHO) using bis-hydrazido or bis-oxyamino spacers. The structure of the final conjugates (HA-spacer-oliHA) was studied by advanced 2-dimensional NMR techniques in detail. The suggested synthetic strategy is simple, straightforward and can be used for the synthesis of various types of HA or oliHA conjugates. in vitro cytotoxicity assays showed selective activity of HA-spacer-oliHA conjugates against cancer cell lines in comparison with standard human fibroblasts.

Nanosized materials offer promising strategy for topical drug delivery due to their enhancing effect on drug percutaneous transport across the stratum corneum barrier. In this work, polymeric micelles made from hydrophobized hyaluronic acid (HA) were probed for skin delivery. Compared to non-polymeric micelle solutions containing similar drug amount, in vitro skin penetration analysis indicated 3 times larger deposition of drug in the epidermis and 6 times larger drug deposition in the dermis after 5h of topical treatment in Franz diffusion cells. The drug deposition was further increased with prolonged time of topical treatment. Laser confocal microscopy revealed the accumulation of both, the HA forming the vehicle and the payload, in the epidermis and dermis. Although fluorescent labeling of the HA would suggest co-transport of the HA and the drug, loading FRET pair dyes in the micellar core clearly demonstrated gradual micelle disruption with increasing skin depth. Transcellular penetration was the predominant pathway for the loaded drug. The HA polymeric micelles also demonstrated increased bioactivity of loaded compound in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the loaded micelles were found to be stable in cream formulations and thus they have great potential for topical applications for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes.

Polymeric micelles are attractive drug delivery systems for intravenously administered nonpolar drugs. Although physical parameters like size, shape and loading capacity are considered as the most important for their efficiency, here we demonstrate that the effects of serum protein interaction and characteristics of loaded compound cannot be neglected during the micelle development and design of experimental set up. Polymeric micelles prepared from amphiphilic hyaluronic acid grafted with short (hexanoic) and long fatty acids (oleic) were tested after loading with two different hydrophobic models, Nile red and curcumin. The composition of micelles affected mainly the loading capacity. Both encapsulated compounds behaved differently in the in vitro cell uptake, which was also influenced by serum concentration, where serum albumin was found to be the primary destabilizing component. This destabilization was found to be influenced by polymeric micelle concentration. Thus, the chemical structure of micelle, the properties of non-covalently loaded substance and serum albumin/polymeric micelle ratio modulate the in vitro intracellular uptake of drugs loaded in nanocarriers.

We describe a modification of epifluorescence microscopes that allows quantitative widefield imaging of samples labeled by upconverting nanoparticles (UCNP). A top-hat illumination profile on the sample was achieved with a 980-nm laser diode by using tandem microlens arrays, a moving diffuser and a telescope, which adjusts the top-hat area to the field of view. Illumination homogeneity is a critical factor for imaging of UCNP since the intensity of their luminescence typically scales with the second power of the excitation intensity. Our illuminator is combined with the epifluorescence attachment of the microscope, allowing easy switching between observation of UCNP and traditional fluorescent dyes. Illumination profile homogeneity of about 98% was measured for objectives with magnification from 4× to 100×, and the top-hat profile was also obtained with phase contrast objectives. We demonstrate capability of the illuminator by evaluating in vitro uptake of UCNP encapsulated in oleyl-hyaluronan micelles into breast cancer cells. Micelles bearing the targeting peptide were about an order of magnitude more efficient than nontargeted micelles.

Hyaluronan (HA) represents an interesting polymer for nanoparticle coating due to its biocompatibility and enhanced cell interaction via CD44 receptor. Here, we describe incorporation of oleate-capped β–NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ nanoparticles (UCNP-OA) into amphiphilic HA by microemulsion method. Resulting structures have a spherical, micelle-like appearance with a hydrodynamic diameter of 180 nm. UCNP-OA-loaded HA micelles show a good stability in PBS buffer and cell culture media. The intensity of green emission of UCNP-OA-loaded HA micelles in water is about five times higher than that of ligand-free UCNP, indicating that amphiphilic HA effectively protects UCNP luminescence from quenching by water molecules. We found that UCNP-OA-loaded HA micelles in concentrations up to 50 μg mL−1 increase cell viability of normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF), while viability of human breast adenocarcinoma cells MDA–MB–231 is reduced at these concentrations. The utility of UCNP-OA-loaded HA micelles as a bio-imaging probe was demonstrated in vitro by successful labelling of NHDF and MDA–MB–231 cells overexpressing the CD44 receptor.

Complex regulation of the wound healing process involves multiple interactions among stromal tissue cells, inflammatory cells, and the extracellular matrix. Low molecular weight hyaluronan (LMW HA) derived from the degradation of high molecular weight hyaluronan (HMW HA) is suggested to activate cells involved in wound healing through interaction with HA receptors. In particular, receptor CD44 is suggested to mediate cell response to HA of different MW, being the main cell surface HA receptor in stromal tissue and immune cells. However, the response of dermal fibroblasts, the key players in granulation tissue formation within the wound healing process, to LMW HA and their importance for the activation of immune cells is unclear. In this study we show that LMW HA (4.3 kDa) induced pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and chemokines IL-8, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL6 and CCL8 gene expression in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) that was further confirmed by increased levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in cell culture supernatants. Conversely, NHDF treated by HMW HA revealed a tendency to decrease the gene expression of these cytokine and chemokines when compared to untreated control. The blockage of CD44 expression by siRNA resulted in the attenuation of IL-6 and chemokines expression in LMW HA treated NHDF suggesting the involvement of CD44 in LMW HA mediated NHDF activation. The importance of pro-inflammatory mediators produced by LMW HA triggered NHDF was evaluated by significant activation of blood leukocytes exhibited as increased production of IL-6 and TNF-α. Conclusively, we demonstrated a pro-inflammatory response of dermal fibroblasts to LMW HA that was transferred to leukocytes indicating the significance of LMW HA in the inflammatory process development during the wound healing process.